US efforts to curb China-linked car companies also affect Mercedes-Benz
A bill being prepared in Washington could affect not only China-linked automotive companies but also the US operations of certain global brands.
12punto
A new regulatory preparation in the US targeting China-linked automotive companies shows that the sector may be scrutinized not only through electric vehicles and customs duties, but also through the partnership and ownership structures of the companies.
If the bill currently on the agenda in Washington becomes law, not only China-based car manufacturers but also some international brands in which Chinese investors hold significant stakes could face new restrictions in the US.
OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE IS AT THE HEART OF THE BILL
In the proposed regulation, the critical issue is at what level a Chinese connection in companies will be considered a problem. If the 15 percent ownership threshold discussed in the bill is exceeded, it could lead to restrictions on the US operations of the relevant companies.
In this context, Mercedes-Benz has become one of the notable examples. The fact that approximately 20 percent of the company is held by China-linked investors is creating debate regarding the potential effects of the bill. However, current information does not point to a definitive conclusion that Mercedes-Benz will be removed from the US market.
The background of the regulation lies in the rapid rise of Chinese companies in the fields of electric cars, battery technologies, and automotive software. It is assessed that the US wants to limit the risks of economic and strategic dependence in these areas.
Since the bill has not yet been finalized, it is not clear which companies will be directly covered and how potential sanctions will be implemented. However, the process reveals that global investment relations in the automotive sector are increasingly becoming a subject of political and strategic evaluation.